Week 8: 30 Letters & Buckets of Showers

Wow family!! Who can believe that  its just about November =) this week will be 2 months in Mexico, and just like a couple weeks and then Ill have been gone for 6 months! I hope this finds all of the fam bam and friends amazing and doing well =)  I love you all so much. So much happened this week and I have so much to write, so here we go =)

 

First off, I got all my letters finally!!! 30 of them =) haha. The ZL came into our district meeting and   said he had an announcement. It was so funny.... he looked all serious and then  said well... elders we have a problem with girls in the mission. All of us were like oh no!!!! haha. Then he pulled literally A STACK!! of letters... and said this was all for me =) everyone was like OOOHHHH!! haha. So I got 30. It was funny. Dear Elders from Daviss, Johnsons, Mallorie,   Suzie, Gaylene, Sam Roberts, Hayley, and my amazing family =)   It was so fun reading all of them.

 

So yes mom,  I did take money out again this week. I am sorry!! but... we pulled a surprise trip to Merida again thsi week lol. The executive secretary, named Elder Barrows and I love him! called and said all the new missionaries had to go to do their final signautre and paper work to be official, all the new ones have to.  HE said I could wait till next month, but then Id spend all my money for that month. So i took money outk, so that I wont have to take money out again lol. So sorry,,, I swear Im being prudent =) haha. Im learning to be frugal haha. One of the goals of the mission for me huh parents? =) lol. But Merida was aweso me. I got to go with    2 other of the new missionaries, Elder Valdivia from Bolivia. He and I are in the same zone and I just love him so much!! we are such good friends. And Elder Salimbene from Ohio. He is great too! We all got on the bus without our senior companions and did just great =) We watched movies on the bus lol. So that was fun. Prince of PErsia and Pirates lol.

 

In Merida we went to the office of Immigration, and we saw our other new companions there. Elder Estrada went with me to BYU and i knew him there, and Elder Jaussi is from Utah and he and I get along soooo well. We talked for like 3 of our 5 hour wait hahaha. It was long and hot, but great =) after we all got chinese food, and went to the office and got mail where I got more Dear Elders from the fam and Suzie  ( I havent gotten all of Hayleys that shes sent) haha. Ive gotten 2 from her so far. I hope people are getting my letters!  But after we went to the temple and we sat there for a bit. THe Spirit is so strong at the temple and I love being able to be there. I cant wait to someday go and get married there. But first, my mission =) I just felt an overwhelming sense of the Spirit while sitting there, just so calm. And then I read the Dear Elders from you Mom and Dad, and just felt so good =) it was so happy and I truly felt Heavenly Father looking down on me and feeling such joy for me as I  partook of the spirit of the temple and my eternal family =)

 

 So Merida was great =) Im going to respond to the dear Elders now. I made some notes to answer ahha.

 

 Mom, I have that other pair of gray pants that were old ones of Dad and they actually pretty much  match the suit. So thats great =) Thanks though!! I wont need another pair.  I took the other ones to get dry cleaned, and then havent gotten back yet. Hopefrully theyre not lost!!! lol.

 

  Spencer and Madi are making such good choices with school and friends and everything. Im so proud of them =) continue making those choices  guys =) I love you both so much!!! And parker too and austin of course =) IM so excited for austin that he gets to go suit up for the game!!! and travel =) and thats so awe some everyone is giong down!! when is that?? Have so much fun!!! Cant wait till we can all go together and watch his games =)

 

  yes Dad, transfers are every 6 weeks. We are in Week 9 right now, of my first 12 weeks lol. Also, Dad was asking about the  member lessons. So, missions are changing now. We are told to not knock doors. Unless we are specifically inspiried to do so, we are not to knock doors. This is because we are supposed to work with the members. This is where true retention comes in , and it truly truly works!!!  We have FHEs with members and they can invite friends to them, or we ask for references at the end of them. So Mom, you are helping the work by giving them Julies name =) I was also thinking you could try to have a FHE with the missoinaries and maybe Taryn and Carella, or Holly and Kyle =) I   felt insprired to put their names lol. But great job family =) And when austin is out, we truly will be so missioanry minded as a family =) haha.

 

That is just crazy we could have a Mormon president!!  LEt me know how that goes =)

 

Yes, Suzie was asking about the weather here   and IM sure everyone is interested. So, it is consistenly year round about 85 degrees, but here in Cancun we have an amazing breeze. So that is super nice =) at night it actually gets chilly, so I love my blanket Mom and that travel pillow is perfect size for the hammocks!!! I still sleep so well so thank you =)

 

 I love how you worry Mom!!! it is crazy being in mexico, but I love it so much =) Im learning so much and every day see and  hear or do something new. =)  My toes are doing well. haha. The one that got taken out in Boise actually got infected. I just prayed a lot, and cleaned it out nighlty. So its almost completely healed =) I also got another in grown toe nail, but took it out the other night. I know how to take them out now lol. I just pray a lot =)  I trust in the Lord and  President said in my interview this past week that in 2 weeks when we have  Zone COnference if it still hurts to tell him.

 

So this week we had some adventures. P Day the Bishops family made us lunch adn we  hade donuts on a stick for like a game lol. And we stuffed our mouths with marshmallows and sang hymns. They thought it was hilarious.... it was so fun.

 

Then we didnt have water for like 5 days so we were showering with Buckets! So we climbed up on the roof and had to mess with the buckets up ther so that was fun.

 

  Working with the members is just awesome. NExt week we are having an Open House at the church and the entire ward is excited for it. It was my idea to have    an activity, and we have all been planning it =) so even on the mission Im still planning things. Now instead of dates, its missioanry activities lol =) haha.

 

Hermana Febe, the ambassador sister, is sooooo nice!!! her and her family love us, even her non mbmer  husband =) they have us last night 2 big books all about Cancun!!! they are so cool and I cant wait to  bring them home to show you all =)

 

 So yea, this past week was  crazy and hectic. But super fun =) in 2 weeks we should baptize Nerie and a boy named Alenjandro that we are working with =)

 

I love the mission. I love being able to learn every day, and be able to testify of The Plan of Salvation and the restored GOspel.   I feel the SPirit daily, and am focused on doing the best I can and becoming the tool in the hand of the Lord that he wants me to be =)

 

I love you all so much family and friends!!! I miss you all dialy and pray for your safety =)

 

 You are all in my thoughts and prayers  =)

 

With all my love, Elder Hoyt =) Seth =) Sethie Poo =) Little Seth =) Whatever it is that you call me haha.

 

LOVE YOU!!!!

The beautiful Merida Temple as Elder Hoyt & his fellow elders adventured to Merida.

Elder Hoyt & the new missionaries that he came with. He sure does love them! 

Elder Hoyt with a Mexican brand of shoe polish called "El Oso." This made him think of his dad who they call the bear. :)

Elder Hoyt on the roof of their house! After a few water problems, they had to climb on top of the roof and try to work it out. Showing us the beautiful roof top view! 

 

Week 7: Blessings, Priesthood Power & The Day in the Life of a Missionary

Hola Fam Bam and amazing friends =) Hola from Cancun Mexico haha. It has been HOT this past week, sweating is an all day experience lol. But, the work is great, the Church is true, and I have the best support from home that I could possibly have =) Let me start with just a couple things and then Ill get to my week =)

 

Mom and Dad, I had to take money out this week cuz we went to Merida in the beginning of the month and bus tickets are so expensive and they havent refunded us yet! So I had to take money out. I usually can make it through the month I think, as long as we dont have any weird things happen haha. Like being illegal and having to go to Merida! lol. So make sure I have some in there still. I should have money in there lol.

 

Also, we found out last week that the Zone Leaders had a bunch of our mail at their house. They told me they had liuke 30 letters for me!!! haha. So theres all my mail haha. I have no idea why they hadnt been handing it out. So Ill get that all tonight. Finally all of Hayleys letters and Taryn and the fam and Suzie and everyone else =) I cant wait!! haha.

 

Everyone looks so good in their pics!!! Madi looks like she had so much fun with her friends in Ross and in Tahoe =) hope the tourney wenbt well! Glad your job is going well Mom. And the house looks amazing!!!!! Im so excited for you all to move in =) Dad looks great as well and I hope work is going well! Spencer.... I cant believe youre driving!! I remember when Mom and I first drove down the highway from Jackson. She about had a heart attack lol.! hahaha. And Parker you are 10 and so big =) There is a boy in our ward that looks like you and Im good friends with him haha. hes 10 and I always think of you!! And austin, you look amazing and that is so fun you got to meet Hayleys fam =) and I love you too hayley!! And I hope Cass is doing well, and Taryn and Ashley =) Love you all!

 

So, last week Dad was asking about the food of Mexico and how that is all going. Frankly, its amazing!!! haha. Its cool cuz here in Cancun there are a lot of types of Mexicans from all over the country cuz they come to work here in the hotels. So Ive met people from Michoucan =) thought of you Dad!!! And veracruz, guadalajara, DF (Mexico City), Puebla, Tijuana, all over!!!! and they all have different types of foods. The tortillas are amazing =) daily I have like 20 haha. Theyre the small type and are made all over in tortillerias =) You eat them with every meal. We do breakfast in our house. I make eggs and avocado, or cereal and bananas and yogurt, I try to eat healthy! Then lunch is always the biggest meal and is at 2. Ive had mole, enchiladas, tacos de pollo, carne, and yes, ive had some chiles! HOT! haha. My favorite meal so far has been tacos de pollo from a road side taco stand by our house. ITs like a pro stand haha. DOnt worry mom lol. Its clean =) we get guerras, or like tacos with cheese from juajaca =) so good!! We also eat a ton of burgers, pizzas, and the other day we got taken to the best CHinese food buffet in Cancun!!! It was so good haha. So the food is great. I do workouts every morning so I dont come home fat lol.

 

Funny thing this past week, a drunk guy during a lesson in front of a house came up to us and said in English whats up! And we kinda ignored him, and then he said cuidado porque los Mormones son... some word. We found out after....he called us child molesters!!! hahaha. The family was like uhh.... lol. They didnt believe him but we found out the word for that lol.

 

So this past week we had like 26 lessons, and we are really focusing on working with the members. I have been reading Jesus the Christ and am loving that!! The Saviors life and ministry was so filled with miracles and I love reading about all of the parables and how they apply to our lives today!! Im also reading the Book of Mormon in Spanish. Slow, but Im doing it haha.

 

So, I havent told you what a daily schedule is like yet. So, we get up at 6=30 every morning. I wake up and pray, then sit there for a minute or two trying to shake off the sleep hahaha. THen go to the bathroom and put music on (EFY =)) haha. Then work out. I do push ups and sit ups and jumps and work with the band. Im coming home not fat and with more muscle then when I left. Im determined!! Then I usually go shower first and get all ready and be back down by liuke 7=30 to eat breakfast and start personal study. From 8 to 9 we have personal study, which I love!!! Then companionship study from 9 to 11, 2 hours for training the new missionaries, and when Im done with this transfer Ill be trained and then well have 1 hour of comp study. And then an hour of language. So we leave the house at noon after a little snack. Then we go out and work for 2 hours till lunch at 2, and then work till 9 at night when we come back to the house!! We are teaching about 24 people right now, and the hardest part is getting them all to church lol. Cuz without church, they cant be baptized!!! But we had 4 this past week, so that was great. =)

 

I miss you all sooooo much but know that this work is true. Jesus is my Savior and whenever I miss any of you a ton, I just think of that. I remember the Lords sacrifice for me, and how through the Atonement I can be cleanses of my sins and weaknesses that I daily work at overcoming, and I can also receive comfort. Then, I go to work. work is the secret!!! haha. I love working haha.

 

So, to finish the email this week Ill end with a very spiritual experience we had. Saturday our investigator who is golden Nerie, tried to pick up her grandaughter and did somehting really bad to her back. She thought she would be better for church, so set her clothes out and everything to go the next morning. She woke up even worse!!! So, right after church we went over with Hermana Febe, her friend, and gave her a blessing. I got to do the annointing all in Spanish cuz weve been practicing it lol. Then Elder Barton gave the blessing. The spirit was soooooo strong, I know the Priesthood is real. After, Nerie and Hermana Febe were bawling, and Nerie said that power is of God. It was amazing and truly strengthened my testimony so much of the Priesthood =)

 

I know that power is real, and through that power we will be together forever as a family =) Ive already been gone 5 months family!!! its crazy!!! So the next only 19 months will fly by, and then we all have eternity to look forward to =)

 

I think of you each daily and pray for you all!!! I love you all sooooo much and always will =)

 

With all my love, Elder Hoyt =) seth!

Week 6: One Transfer In & It Just Keeps Getting Better!

Hola Fam Bam and beautiful friends =) I love you all and this past week was the best one of my mission, besides the baptisms Ive had lol. Im so excited to tell you all about it =) hopefully you just got the pics and loved those! I looooovvveeedddd the pics for this week both from Mom of Tahoe, and Grandmas 60th! WOW Grandma! 60 and still looking as beautiful as you do =) how lucky I am! And loved Hayleys pics that she sent. So fun to see you all and you all look gorgeous! Hope the family is doing well and everyone is safe =)

 

Im sooooo excited for austin to start his papers now... hes working on them now probably! AHHH! Thats so awesome that we will see each other sooner. And Madi and Spencer and Parker look adorable =) and Mom you look great and Dad as well! So excited for your new job Mom! The blessings surely never stop. And theyre about to double! haha.

 

So last week we didnt get any mail cuz the Zone Leaders didnt get it cuz we didnt have District Meeting. So tonight Ill get two weeks worth! Hopefully all the Dear Elders that Hayley and Taryn and the Fam have sent that I havent gotten yet. And I hope my letters are getting to people! Ive written Hayley, Ashley, and Taryn, and just sending Cassidys out today!

 

Well, this week was one of the best weeks ever. My testimony was strengthened so much and it was so fun. I love being a missionary and its crazy that today I have been in Mexico for a full 6 weeks! 1 transfer in. My comp and I are still together and will be till he leaves the end of this transfer =)

 

So, I will start by telling a story from this week. We have an Hermana in our ward named Hermana Febe. She is in her late 50s and once was the ambassador from Cancun to China! Shes amazing and her family is so cool. We are really good friends with them and they feed us a lot lol. So, she had a neighbour that she really wanted to hear the Gospel. So, she invited us over and we met with her. Her name is Narie, and she has a husband and 3 children, and is raising her Grandaughter cuz her son is having some problems. Her granddaughter is 4 and has muscular dystrophy, but is the cutest thing ever! She is so full of life, and even though she only can take like 3 steps here and there, is always so happy. So, we taught Narie the Restoration, and the Spirit testifieed to all that what was being spoken of was true. Narie felt it and said she wanted to be baptized! We set it up for the 30th of this month, and she said she would come to church. Our next lessons was 2 days later and we taught the Plan of Salvation. I had gotten in Boise from the Internet cutouts of the Plan of Salvation that I colored and translated lol. And we use those to teach the Plan of Salvation =) We taught it and the Spirit was again so strong. Narie was almost crying and she said that she has been waiting to hear this purpose in her life, and the beautiful message of the Resurrection where her grandaughter will be able to walk and use her hands perfectly. Sunday came and she came to church with HErmana Febe and her whole family. Narie brought her whole family!! It was so cool. Also, we had 4 other investigators show up Sunday who weve been trying to get there for like 4 weeks! The Lord blessed us so much and my testimony was strengthened so much.

 

So this past week we have been teaching the Plan of Salvation a lot, cuz we seem to teach in like a loop ahhaha. I studied and read and prayed about the Plan of Salvation this week and cant get enough of it. I love the Plan of Salvation, the sense of purpose that it gives all of us here on Earth, the fact that I can be together forever with you family, and with my wife some day =) I know the Plan of Salvation is true and I love testifying of it!

 

We are really working on working with the members here. I love my ward so much!!! We are really making friendships and working at having a family home evening with members every night of the week with investigators! Its funny. THe Church is a little different here. They are very new at it, and sometimes dont know what to do. THe missionaries get looked at a lot to lead the way, and at times its intimidating. But such a blessing lol. Makes me want to learn everything I can about the Church. PMG is so important and I love the idea of using that in your Family Home Evenings =) also.... I cant wait for spencer to serve at 18 and that is sooooo cool that Madi wants to serve now too!

 

I know this Church is so true, for so many different reasons. THis week it is the Plan of Salvation and the way the SPirit helps me with SPanish. I can now talk with someone, set up a return appointment, talk with them about their work and family, about me, show them pictures that I have (I got a photo album a little one that we carry around, cuz we use pics of our fam in our lessons lol) and yea. Everyone says for one month my Spanish is amaizng! I am learning so much. I know I have so far to go, but I also know that I have angels with me daily. I know that I can rely on my brother, my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ daily whenever I need help.

 

A mission is the best experience of my life and I have like a week till Ive been gone for 5 months! So crazy. Ill get those pics to you for my 6 month Hayley!! And I agree with you about your decision about the mission. Love you best friend =) and Cass you have a letter coming! As well as Taryn and Ash! lol. I have the best girlfriends at home and the best guy friends =) at home and our serving missions! I love you all.

 

The mission is very difficult at times. My companion and I though work together through out problems with investigators and we have fun and laugh with each other. We have so many jokes and love the time we have here.

 

Well, this week was just so awesome and I love being able to write to you all about it. Im blessed cuz I can type super fast! (thanks iphone and texting) hahahaha. It was funny... this morning we went to Wal Mart and got stuff. It felt so like home lol. I heard Taylor Swift playing and thought of Madi and sang it out loud for you =) I saw a shoe polish I was getting that said El Oso hahahA. Thought of you Dad. And of course shopping the whole time I thought of Mom lol. Saw the video games and thought of Spencer and Parker and Austin and I when we picked 4000 weeds at a penny a weed to buy a computer game lol!!!! Laughed out loud. I think of you all daily and pray for you nightly =) I love you all and am so proud for how you are all doing! I have been collecting stuff to send home. I got some presents and stuff for Christmas for you all last week at Market 28. Im giong to print pics off and stuff too.I just dont know exactly when I can get it off.... so it might not be there before Chrsitmas hahah. BUt ill try!!! I think I got everything this week. Cant wait for Dear Elders and mail tonight... and to go back to work tomorrow! The mission is like a submarine... 6 days of the week we are submerged and Mondays we raise our periscope a little!!! haha.

 

I love you all so much and pray for each of you nightly by name =) Know that this Church is sooooo true. And that I am doing well =) safe and happy. These months are flying by and before we know it Ill be home!!!! =) love you!!!!!

 

With all my love,

 

Elder Hoyt =) Sethie Poo =) Little Seth =) Seth =)

Elder Hoyt cutting one of his fellow elder's hair! First hair cut in Mexico. Along with that, Elder Hoyt also buzzed his hair so he would have less to manage! No more fohawk for this Elder! 

Elder Hoyt & Elder Barton in front of the beautiful Merida Temple.

Week 5: Letter Overload & General Conference After Math

Hola fam bam!!

Oh my goodness family!!! I have sooooo much much to write. Its just crazy lol. I have 2 pages of written notes from this week to remember to write to you all haha. Know that I am doing so well and loving my mission. So here we go. Ill go through my notes and give my update on the week at the same time lol. Love you all!

Well!! Finally Dear Elders got to me. I guess Dear Elders were down or something so I didnt get them for like 2 weeks. But I get Dear Elders from the family from when they wrote me, Suzie, Gaylene, Gma and Gpa Swearingen, and yea. Then I got 3 letters from Cass, Johnsons, and Rhonda =) So i finally heard from Cass and Im writing you back!! I still havent gotten the Dear Elders from you Hayley.... weird haha. But I loved reading your email =) and the pics are amazing! You are all so gorgeous haha. But I heard I got a lot of Dear Elders this week from the office missionaries lol. So maybe theyre there =) I hope!!

Usually Dear Elders will take 1 to 2 weeks, and letters 3 weeks, and packages 1 to 2 months. so yes please!! Send my christmas packages now =) I would like peanut butter, the gospel art book, pictures =) some cds of gospel music, like the band called the Lower Lights (cuz we have a dvd player in the house for training that plays cds lol) and maybe a piano music one. Ties, snacks haha. IDk whatever you want. But I love pictures and letters. So that would be awesome =) Im doing good on pants and shirts and everything. Only thing is my suit pants are already kinda gross from all the sweat and stuff so it shows on the gray lol. So if you could somehow get a new one of those.... thatd be awesome. No se how haha.

And yes Mom and fam! Sorry.... last week I saw the moon right when you all did and wondered if you were all looking at it too!!! Crazy hahaha. The spirit Im telling you lol.

Well, everyone has been asking how sleeping in a hammock goes. I love it =) I like fall back into sideways kinda of, so it evens out and our backs dont hurt. I have always slept on my stomach and with a very set pattern of sleeping lol. (you know how I sleep family =) hahaha. So I start out on my back now, and then a couple mins in switch to stomach and pull the blanket over my head lol. Its been cool at night lately cuz we have been having so many tropical storms but its been great. So yea... Ill have to teach everyone how to sleep in hammocks when I get back =)

Oh Mom... you are the cutest thing ever =) seriously... number one fan =) I loved how you said you were crying so hard reading about me getting lost in the Mexico airport. I love you so much!!! ITs so true. Those are the experiences that I will look back on with fondness, I already do haha. And those make me more mature =)

Got the dear elder from Gpa and Gma swearingen! Crazy they will be in Cancun haha. Idk if I can see them lol. when will they be here? I heard maybe I could.... but no se lol. But I love them and know they are amazing and will love it here! I cant wait to come back after and go to the beach lol.

To answer the questions from the Dear Elders, my toe is doing just great now. Sometimes sore, it did get infected, but I treated it daily and prayed a lot and its healing lol. Sad mom that you packed up our highschool and college stuff lol. But Im so excited for the new house!! That is so funny that Dad helps spencer with his spanish and they laugh about when I would just ask dad for the answers and he would get mad and send me to the dictionary!! Oh el oso lol. OH I wish I had paid attention hahahaha.

MY spanish is doing well =) I finally dont really get terribly lost.... sometimes i still am so lost, but I can talk now on my own and understand and even call on the phone (with members of investigators Im comfortable with)

Mom, how is the blog going? Have you or Hayley been working on it? lol. Just wondering haha.

Elder Barton is my companion. He is great and from Draper Utah. He went to Alta and leaves in just 1 transfer!! Speaking of!! AHHHH! My tranfser is almost done. Next week Ill have a full transfer in Mexico. Crazy lol.

The fam all sounds so busy, especially you Mom. Glad your liking subbing and everyone looks like they had so much fun at BYU! I love Brandon and am so happy he had that oppurtunity to be there for the game and everything. And hayley! Thanks so much for the pics and your email =) I love them so much and havent gotten your dear elders yet or letters.... but am expecting them soon! Cant wait to get them! And I am also writing every week. Havent missed! haha. Hopefully youre getting them lol. I also wrote cass back this week and Ill get a letter out to the Johnsons soon. I also want to write a letter to the young men of the Ione Ward so Ill work on that haha.

Also, any world news? We heard a rumor that we were going to war with Libya.... is that true? haha. Just curious. Were submerged here in the submarine of misionary work and really dont get to hear or see much about the surface lol.

Update.... they have little caesars here in Cancun. Just thought that would make you laugh family =) hahaha.

Ok.... here we go. Update for this week. So this week was insane! Last P day was awesome. We went to Market 28 and hung out with some other elders in our district. I love them! Then, tuesday we got a call saying that the Executive Secretaries in the mission office had messed up on my visa papers and that I was illegal! they apparently put my birthday in wrong and then sent it in and yea... haha theyre fault. Soooo... they said I had to come to merida to sign the new copy and then I was totally fine. So Wednesday we had to go to MErida. 4 and a half hours on the bus.... at least they were nice and had movies hahahaa. So yes.... on the mission you can sometime see a movie. I fell asleep mostly lol. So we got to Merida and stayed with some elders there that night and then the next morning went and signed the paper. Then ate some food and got back on the bus and went right back. 10 hours on a bus in total. It kinda threw off our work for a couple days lol. But Im not illegal so thats great!

Also General Conference was amazing!!!! Im still on the spiritual high from it lol. And aahhhhhhh!!! Can you believe the announcement about missionaries!!!???!!!! I gasped along with the whole mormon world. Austin... yes! Do it!! leave as soon as you can lol. And now sisters can serve so young. Its amazing! Like Hayley said in her email.... Im sure BYU is just freaking out! So many people will leave on missions and the work will shoot forward.

My favorite talks were Elder Hollands and Elder Bednars. I watched every session in Spanish except the last one which they had in English so that was great.

We also have a brand new family we are teaching named the Bernal family. THey are amazing and golden! Cant wait to get baptized and loved General Conference. They want their young sons to serve missions like us someday they said! THey are really young and have so much potential in the GOspel =)

So wow.... So much happened this week. I love you all and pray for you daily!! Cant wait to hear from you all again this next week and I love you all so much!!

Love, Elder Hoyt =) Seth =)

Week 4: Freezing Water, Warm Hearts & The First Baptism In Espanol.

Hola Fam Bam!! 

WOW! haha. Its week 4 and Ive already been in Mexico for a full month. Ive been out in the field for the same amount of time that I had in the MTC lol. Weird! But I am doing so well. This week was amazing and Im so excited to tell you all about it. Well, let me start off by saying how much I love all of you and miss you all so much. But I know that we will be together forever.... so what is two years that I can give up (or three if your austin) haha to serve those that I am serving. That doesnt mean that it isnt hard. There isnt a day that goes by that I dont think of you all, but the joy I see in my life because of the Gospel and all of our lives because of the Gospel is what I am sharing with those I come in contact with every day. 

This past week I didnt get any Dear Elders but its totally fine cuz I should get some tonight =) but know that Hayley, Taryn, Ashley, and a couple others I have written. So they should be coming if you hadnt gotten that! And ahhhhhh!! Taryn =) Im sooooo excited for you that you got the Disney Internship!! Im so proud =) You have to tell me all about it and I cant wait to get your Dear Elder =) Brandons thing at BYU looked sooooo fun!! IM so glad that turned out so well and everyone got to meet Kylie =) I love her austin already and tell her I say hi =) and thanks for being awesome.

Well, this past week we had a baptism =) =) my first one in Spanish. And.... I got to baptize her =) her name is Alysia and she is 19 and loves the Gospel. She is so excited to serve a mission in 2 years and its all she ever asks us about lol. I learned the Baptismal prayer in Spanish and said it without messing up =) wooooohhhoooo!! haha. All of our baptisms are on Tuesday nights when we have Ward Activity Nights because the whole ward is there. We had a very full room of all the members and it was awesome. I say awesome alot lol. Sorry cuz in spanish its potente! haha. 

So this past week we have been having big tropical storms with tons and tons of rain. Which is fun except when were like sprinting through it to the nearest house of a member or overhang lol. So funny! But when it rains a ton.... the water for the showers gets FREEZING!! So... how the water for the showers work. There is a big tank on every roof that is always filled and all the water falls down with the pull of gravity from that. So.... its never heated or anything so it just depends on the temp outside. So usually its really warm haha. Not super but like.... its feels good. But when its raining..... ahhhhh! So cold haha. But its sunny and hot now.... Im so blessed cuz I really dont sweat a ton. lol. And my sweat doesnt really stink lol. The little blessings of life hahaha. 

We taught about 28 lessons this week. We walked a ton and worked a lot with members a Recent Converts and Less Actives. We are planning a big ward missionary activity that is an open house at the church for like 3 weeks away so we are super excited for that. We are always fed so much, like every visit we either have a huge glass of cold water, or refresco (soda) or mexicana agua =) like horchata!!!! I love orchatta lol. Its awesome. 

So this past week I was able to finish the entire Book of Mormon on my mission. I had restarted in the MTC with a challenge that they gave to all of us, and my goal was to mark anything with the Doctrine of Christ and anything that stuck out to me. So.... 3 and a half months later I finished it. I marked so much and I love reading my notes and highlighted scriptures. I read it in English.... but my next goal is in Spanish, after I finish the new Testament. But.... I took the challenge again to pray about the Book of Mormon and ask if it is true. And just like before.... I received an answer. I know the BOok of Mormon is true... with all my heart I do. The Spirit testified to me in a cool way this time. I felt peace in my heart, and began to randomly think about all that the Gospel and the BOok of Mormon has done for me in my life and in the lives of you my family =) I challenge everyone that reads this to read again the Book of Mormon and pray to know the truthfulness of it, and if you havent read it, get one from my family and read it, because I know it changes lives. Ive seen it already on my mission, the lives of my family, and most importantly, in my life. =) 

Also, I read a talk this past week from the past General Conference... (Which by the way I am sooooo excited for this weekend!!) This talk was by Quentin L. COok and was titled In tune with the Music of Faith. But it is awesome and you should read it. But it talked about how family scripture study is so important. I know that family scripture study was part of the reason my testimony is so strong. Elder Cook talks about how they are not always perfect hahahaha. And he says that Persistence is the key, and a sense of humor. And I Just thought about our family!!! And mom.... when austin and I would say that it is the consistency not the quality that we will remember hahahhaa. IT made me laugh so hard because it is so true. I remember quality lessons. I do... like the one night we watched the video of the teenagers and the red armchair. That was a pivotal spiritual moment for me.... I dont even know if I ever even told you that. But that consistent scirpture study was always there for me.... and was always fun =) 

So today for P day we are washing and then going out to lunch witha couple other elders from our district and then going to a huge outdoor market. Im excited and maybe ill get something for you all! We shall see lol. 

Spanish is going well. Im getting better. Its frusturating at times to not be able to like say exactly what I want to say... but Im getting along and studying hard. My comp has been sick and kinda tired all week... so that was a little hard... but hes feeling better. 

So, Im doing great and loving the work. I miss home and BYU and all my friends so much, but know that what Im doing where is where Im supposed to be. The work is hard, but worth it. I love being here and am learning to throw myself completely into the work. Ill email the siblings again but just wanted to say how much I love all of you =) hope Ione is good and not missing Seth Hoyt too much =) hahaha. I love you all and pray for you all daily =) 

With all my love, Seth =) Little Seth =) Sethie Poo =) Elder Hoyt =) 

Elder Hoyt baptizing Alysia, his first baptism in Spanish, along with them is Elder Hoyt's companion Elder Barton. 

Week 3 in Mexico: The Gift of Tongues

Hola Fam Bam!! Wow..... so much has happened this week. I love it so much and Im loving my mission. I feel the Spirit working with me daily as I am helped with my Spanish, lessons, and finding more people to teach and building friendships and love for the people here. Let me just say that I love these people so much! Their humility and Spirit is an inspiration to me daily. I loved all the emails from Madi and Spencer and Austin and Ill write back after this one =) also from Dawnae and Marissa and Grandma! Love you all so much =) Well, lets get started.

Shout outs to Suize, the Johnsons (Thanks Melissa) Hannah Engebretsen, Ashley =) and Gaylene and Mom for the Dear Elders this week! Im pretty sure it just takes two weeks for them to get to me here, so Ill get lots of Dear Elders tonight at district meeting lol. Mom you accidentally said in your Dear Elder to the missionaries that were moving to the house... In Galt hahaha. Just wanted to clarify to everyone that were still living in Ione =) on the golf course haha. Im giving my homecoming talk in my ward =) lol.

So.... just a heads up for a package probably for like christmas or whenever you send one I need the Gospel Art Book =) its like 20 bucks at Deseret. Por favor! Gracias Mama =) haha. Love you!

So this week has been crazy. We were supposed to have 2 baptisms this past week, but they both didnt show up for their interviews. UGH! So frusturating. So Oscar had to work a 24 hour shift and his phone broke so he couldnt let us know. Then Alysia was at work and then we reset the interview and she came before her baptism, but was sick (like girl problems sick) ugh haha. So she couldnt get baptized. But we kinda laughed lol. Anyways.... her baptism is tomorrow now and I am baptizing her =) my first baptism in Spanish. But it was really frusturating this past week with them trying to figure out what went wrong. So I really had to rely on the Lord and his comfort to help us through this week. I am really being taught lessons in patience as well. This beginning of the week, I wasnt really talking in lessons. ONe night I came home and just felt awful. I hadnt talked much cuz I was scared my Spanish was just not good enough. So....I prayed on my own and just opened up to the Lord. Told him that I needed to learn to completely trust in him and his promise to me in D and C that if I open my mouth and have studied before, that words will come to me. So I want to testify of that. I KNOW that the Lord does this. I promised myself that I would follow spiritual impressions valiantly in lessons, even if that meant asking how to say some stuff to the investigators or Elder Barton. But, as I did this I had words put into my mouth. Last night we had a lesson with Alysia and her fellowshipper friend Thalia and I felt prompted to testify of the SPirit. And I didnt know what I was going to say, I just opened my mouth.... and the words came!!! In good Spanish too lol. ahhahaa. I knwo the Lord is with us and that he is helping me so much with my Spanish =) and then last night we had a snack with some members and Elder Barton got a call for numbers and I was left alone to talk with all of them while he was on the phone. And it was awesome!!! They asked how long I had been here and I said only 3 weeks and they were shocked!! Said my Spanish was way better than some other elders who had been here for months. SO I know the Lord is watching over me and I have angels by my side =)

So, to catch you up on Mexico. The water here all comes in big jugs. We have 2 in the house at all times. And EVERYONE has them, so we never worry about filtering the water really lol. So thats so nice. I miss milk so much!!! The milk here is super pasteurized and not thick and creamy. UGH! So I only eat it in cereal. haha. But they have amazing juices here so thats been great. Taxis here are crazy!!! We speed through the streets and the past like 5 days we have been having huge tropical storms! At nights it thunders lightnings and pours all night long! And then the streets are soooo flooded. But the taxis and buses just go haha. So fun lol. This past week we had trainging with President Salinas. He is AMAZING! I love him and his wife so much. The first day Dad, I forgot to tell you, I told him about John Olsen and you knowing him. HE said that John had emailed him about me and you, and gave the highest reccomendation of me to him =) so that was cool. He said he was so excited to have me here. His training was amazing and all about how missionary work is through the members now.

I also got a haircut this week! Mission rule is hair must be to the side or back, so no more fo hawk =( but its ok cuz I love my hair now!! One of our recent converts gave me one of the best hair cuts Ive ever had haha. It goes to the side and looks really good now =) lol. Or so says my comp hahaaha.

So this week has been crazy but so good! I am working so hard. ON my desk are pics of the whole fam and friends, and every time I look at them I think of how blessed I am and think how blessed my investigators will be when they are part of Gods Kingdom on the Earth today! I also have been working on focusing only on investigators throughout the week, and thinking of family and friends only in prayers and on Mondays! This has really helped me stay focused. =) also..... My 4 month mark was yesterday!!! AHHHHH! 2 months and Ill be to my 6 month mark. Well, Im going to go and email the siblings back. But I love you all sooooooo much and pray for you daily =)

I know this Church is true with all my heart and the Book of Mormon is the word of GOd. Im almost done with it again....a nd know that it is so true =) I love this work and am working as hard as I can to make you all proud =) and my Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ most importantly =) love you all sooooo much!!!
With all my love, Elder Hoyt =)

Elder Hoyt with his zone, along with his mission President, President Salinas, and his wife. Also, Elder Alonso of the Quorum of the 70 who came to train these elders.

Ward Talent Show Night. Elder Hoyt, his companion Elder Barton, along with the two other elders serving in the ward. In the back are some of the Mayan sister in the ward dressed in their traditional Mayan outfits for their dance!

An Additional Blogger: Well Hello There!

To all of you faithful followers of Elder Hoyt's mission, I wanted to introduce myself. My name is Hayley and most who know Seth probably have seen me around. I will be helping keep up this blog along with the amazing Hoyt family. A blog is a lot to handle, but luckily together we can definitely do it. I will add some thoughts and blog posts in along with Elder Hoyt's emails, pictures and adventures so I thought you should all know me a little bit before you wonder where these posts and thoughts are coming from, my blogging style is a bit distinct. But thank you all for supporting Elder Hoyt, I know how much he appreciates and loves each one of you. So stick around as we keep up with Elder Hoyt's adventures in Mexico. Let the fun begin!